Trump booed during anthem at Knicks NBA Finals game

Donald Trump became the first sitting US president to attend an NBA Finals game on Monday night, only to be met with loud boos from sections of the crowd at Madison Square Garden as the New York Knicks hosted the San Antonio Spurs.

The jeers erupted when Trump appeared on the arena's Jumbotron during the national anthem, sung by Broadway performer Avery Wilson. He was shown saluting from a private suite alongside his granddaughter Kai Trump and Knicks owner James Dolan. Reports described the boos as thunderous, at times threatening to overwhelm the anthem itself. Fans at watch parties in Bryant Park and Brooklyn bars were also recorded jeering the president.

Trump downplayed the reception afterward, telling reporters at the airport that the response was "mostly cheers" and "very enthusiastic." Social media users and commentators quickly mocked the claim, with some comparing it to past instances where he insisted on positive spin amid clear disapproval.

The game itself ended in a 115-111 victory for the Spurs, cutting the Knicks' series lead to 2-1 after they had swept the first two contests in San Antonio. Trump's presence drew heavy security measures that shut down streets around the venue and forced ticket holders to endure waits of two hours or more through airport-style screening. Thousands of fans without tickets were kept several blocks away by metal fencing and police.

The president attended with several administration officials, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and special envoy Steve Witkoff. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver visited the suite during the game. Trump, a Queens native, has long claimed strong support in New York despite the city's overwhelming Democratic lean and his history of tensions with local institutions.

Outside the arena, some protesters held signs reading "Trump must go," while others made rude gestures toward the motorcade. Inside, the evening mixed celebrity appearances with the political tension created by the president's attendance. The Knicks, seeking their first title since 1973, saw their 13-game playoff winning streak snapped.

Trump flew to Manhattan by Marine One after spending the day at his New Jersey golf club. The visit marked his first return to the Garden since November 2024 for a UFC event. Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday night at the same venue.